Why visit?
- Stunning views
- Choice of waymarked paths
- Ancient Woodland Indicator species
An attractive broadleaved woodland within walking distance of the small town of Llanfairfechan. Steep in places but the views from the two level viewpoints are well worth the effort.
You’re rewarded with a stunning view over the town’s promenade and scenic sea views over to Puffin Island and Anglesey.
The main entrance into the woodland is through a wide kissing gate just above Pendalar Community Hall.
There’s a free car park and an enclosed play area here too.
Public footpath 29 also passes through the west side of the woodland via kissing gates. This path leads you through characterful oak trees. It forms part of the ‘North Wales Path’ and walk number 2 of the Llanfairfechan Walks leaflet.
Industrial past
Stone exploitation in the Penmaenmawr area dates back to the neolithic period (4-5000 years ago). The western slopes of Penmaenmawr mountain have been quarried for granite since the 1830s. The area at the foot of the Penmaenmawr quarry is known as the Ffrith. In the mid 19th century this area was a large area of scree and woodland and two dwellings. In response to the increased demand for crushed stone, a crushing plant was installed above Tyddyn Drycin to exploit the large amount of stone found at the base of Penmaenmawr mountain. A network of inclines and tramways transported the stone to the plant.
The Penmaenmawr & Welsh Granite Co. was formed in 1911. Some years later an incline was built to allow the stone from the rest of Penmaenmawr quarry to be transported for crushing at Tyddyn Drycin. Stone production at Tyddyn Drycin ceased by 1931 and the site remained inactive until the 1960s when it provided stone for the A55 expressway expansion. Recently the quarries including Tyddyn Drycin have been acquired by the Hanson group. Conwy’s Countryside and Trees Team manage the woodland.
What wildlife will you discover?
The woodland is home to many different plants and animals. Listed here are just a few spotted on a sunny day in May. Lots more to discover if you venture out at dawn or dusk or at different times of the year.
If you’re lucky you may spot a peregrine overhead or hear the distinct sound of a chough.
Trees:
- Silver birch
- Sessile oak
- Rowan
- Grey willow
- Hazel
- Goat willow
- Wych elm
Birds and insects:
- Wren
- Long-tailed tit
- Robin
- Chaffinch
- Jay
- Gorse shieldbug
- Speckled wood butterfly
Flowers:
- Dog’s mercury
- Wood sorrel
- Wood anemone (Ancient Woodland Indicator species)
- Sweet woodruff (pretty Ancient Woodland Indicator species)
- Wood aven
- European gorse
- Stitchwort
- Herb robert
- Lesser celendine
- Wild strawberry
- Primrose
- Lords and Ladies
- Dog violet
- Ling (heather)
- Bird’s-foot trefoil
- Male fern
- Scaly male fern (Ancient Woodland Indicator species)
- Hart’s tongue-fern (Ancient Woodland Indicator species)
Facilities
- Free car park
- Children’s playground area
- Viewpoint benches
Unfortunately there are no toilet facilities here. The nearest public toilets are on Llanfairfechan promenade close to the beach café (LL33 0BY).
There are shops and cafes in Llanfairfechan town, is a short drive or 15-20 minute walk from Tyddyn Drycin site.
Dogs are welcome in Tyddyn Drycin. Please use the dog bin provided at the main entrance, nearest Pendalar Community Hall.
Byelaws apply within Council play areas, open spaces and nature reserves.
Please read the Countryside Code before visiting.
How to get there
Walking & cycling
The site is a 20 minute walk or a 6 minute cycle from the nearby town of Llanfairfechan.
National Cycle Route 05 brings you along the stunning North Wales coastline and this route passes close to the Pendalar Community Hall car park, play area and woodland entrance.
The Llanfairfechan Walks leaflet has an easy to follow route card.
Public Transport
The closest bus stop to the site is the Penmaen Park stop. From here the site is a 7 minute walk.
Llanfairfechan railway station is a request stop. The site is a 20 minute walk from the station.
Driving
Pendalar Community Hall LL33 0RH is the nearest postcode for the woodland.
If travelling from Colwyn Bay, join the A55 and follow the signs for Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan. At the Llanfairfechan roundabout take the first exit to Penmaen Road, then turn left to stay on Penmaen Road. Turn right when at the Pendalar Community Hall.
If arriving from Bangor, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout and follow the directions above.
What’s nearby?
If you fancy a longer day out, take a look at the Llanfairfechan Walks leaflet to see how to link walks 1 and 2 together to combine both Glan y MÔr Elias and Tyddyn Drycin.
Farther afield is the Llanfairfechan Upland Walk.
How we look after our woodlands
Upland oak woodland is a unique and valuable habitat to common and threatened species, such as the common pipistrelle.
We monitor our trees for signs of stress and disease. Where there are clear safety issues, we do the minimal work needed, reducing a tree to a high standing pole or felling the tree to leave lying deadwood. Both are hugely valuable habitats in their own right.
Threats to our woodlands
Ash dieback is a disease affecting ash trees within many of our broadleaved woodland nature reserves and parks.